 By Sarah Lozanova, EV Copywriter
As electric vehicle (EV) ownership increases and becomes more mainstream, some car shoppers still have their doubts about switching away from vehicles with an internal combustion engine. Although the price of EVs has dropped, the EV tax credits continue, and the range has increased, many consumers are hesitant to own one. Car shoppers have a variety of concerns about taking the plunge, with many centered around relying on batteries and EV infrastructure. Three main worries are the lack of public EV charging options, a short driving range, and the need to potentially replace the EV battery. Also, people who live in multifamily buildings or lack a dedicated parking spot may have issues charging at home. In addition, lack of knowledge about EVs continues to be a hurdle to widespread adoption. In particular, consumers need more information about EV batteries and specifically how long they last. Battery technology has rapidly advanced in the last decade, and many car shoppers hold onto outdated or inaccurate information on the topic. Therefore, it is critical for EV professionals to educate consumers and help dispel myths. How Long Do Electric Car Batteries Typically Last? While lead-acid car batteries last about 3 – 5 years, EV battery lifespan is much longer. Typically, today’s EV batteries last 10 – 20 years. Many car manufacturers offer an 8 – 10-year or 100,000-mile warranty on EV batteries, which can help ease consumer concerns about battery longevity. However, like solar panels, EV batteries don’t typically give out one day and stop operating. By contrast, they slowly degrade over time and become less effective in storing energy, decreasing vehicle range by 1% to 2% annually. This means the vehicle can eventually travel a shorter distance on a single charge. What Kind Of Batteries Do EVs Use? Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) all use lithium-ion EV battery packs. Laptops, tablets, cell phones, e-bikes, and solar PV battery storage use lithium-ion batteries as well. These battery banks have numerous advantages over other types because lithium-ion batteries have: ● High energy per unit mass ● High power-to-weight ratio ● Good temperature performance ● High energy efficiency Read more... |